Which city served as the first capital of the United States?

The correct answer is New York City, which served as the first capital of the United States from 1785 until 1790. After the Revolutionary War, the newly formed Congress met in several locations, but in 1785, New York City was designated as the temporary capital. Many significant events occurred during this time, including George Washington's first presidential inauguration in 1789, which solidified the city's role in the early governance of the nation.

Philadelphia, while serving as the capital in the years prior to and during the writing of the Constitution, did not take on the role of capital until after New York City, making it a notable city but not the first. Washington, D.C., which is the current capital, officially became the capital in 1800, and Boston, being an important historical city, was not designated as a capital of the United States but played a critical role during the American Revolution and early government years.